Interview with Dr Tamás Jakkel, President of FCI: “Living and breeding with my dogs daily is the activity that gives me the most pleasure.”

On 21 August Tamás Jakkel was elected FCI President for the second time. With 51 years of experience behind him, he shared his thoughts on the most burning questions affecting purebred dogs.

We had a candid discussion with Dr Tamás Jakkel about the definition of a modern breeder, the emergence of new breeds, health issues affecting dogs and his role in the dogdom.

– I think it would be useful to clarify first what precisely the FCI is.

Tamás Jakkel: We are talking about the largest worldwide organisation related to breeding purebred dogs. We have 98 kennel clubs from 98 countries as our members or partners. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale is actually an umbrella organisation. It brings together all these organisations and, through its own regulations, ensures, for example, that a title in an international working competition means the same and has equal value in all countries. I won’t go any deeper than that; the Statutes and our internal regulations are long and detailed. The FCI provides uniform rules and administration for all activities related to purebred pedigree dogs. These include breeding, registration, appearance and ability evaluations, competition, working dogs, hunting dogs, herding dogs, sledge dogs, obedience, agility, mondioring, rescue, and dog dancing.

– Can the concepts of “breeding” and “breeder” be defined?

T. J.: There is no unified definition. Everyone has a different definition. Ask ten people about this. You will get different answers, even if not significantly different.

– What would be your own definition?

T. J.: My interpretation is that a breeder is someone whose activity is driven by the preservation of historically established breeds, the preservation of their function and the improvement of their quality rather than by financial considerations. They use the income they earn to develop their activity further. In all stages of their work, they use external professional controls. Such are tests and examinations of appearance, temperament and ability, function, and health.

This requires a basic knowledge of anatomy, biology, health, genetics, ethology, and professional experience that can only be acquired over time. A person with general knowledge can easily read a test record. But reading the “breed type” and the “pedigree” requires special training and long experience. In this case, for example, the ancestors’ names in the pedigree are not simply a sequence of letters. But a knowledge of the traits they display and pass on to their offspring.

– What do you think about the rise of new breeds?

T. J.: It depends on what new breeds we are talking about.

– The FCI recognises new breeds from time to time.

T. J.: I divide the rise of new “breeds” into two categories.

The first category includes national breeds that have developed historically in their country of origin, mainly with a specific function, but have not yet been recognised and are also present on the international scene. If these breeds meet the required conditions (sufficient population, different bloodlines, appropriate health status, etc.), the FCI will register these ancient breeds as new breeds.

A clear distinction is necessary between the cross-breeds with no functional purpose and which are mainly cross-breeds for the sake of their appearance, “individuality”, and marketability. I do not consider individuals created in this way to be a breed; they are colloquially distinguished as “designer breeds”. Typically, their creators create them for “uniqueness” as a protest against traditional breeds while strangely insisting on mentioning the names of the breeds that played a role in their creation. This fact shows me the hypocrisy of the activity. In the absence of professional background and external control, these dogs are sold through loud advertising and “cute photos” instead of results.

– What is the role of dog shows in the professional activity you mentioned?

T. J.: Dog shows provide the external professional control essential for responsible dog breeding. On this basis, a professional evaluation system outside the breeder’s own opinion provides control and guidance for his future activities. Dog shows are not just beauty contests. They give an idea of the temperament, socialisability, fitness and internal and external characteristics of the breed, which are essential for the performance of its functions. It is also important to remember that all preparation for a show is based on the precious time spent together. Which is strengthening the bond between man and dog.

– What are your views on the health problems that are getting much publicity in Western Europe?

T. J.: It is challenging to assess and evaluate the situation because current veterinary records and statistics do not distinguish between pedigree dogs produced under controlled breeding programmes and those produced in unregistered and uncontrolled puppy farms, which are established for commercial purposes. For this reason, true pedigree and look-alike (appearing purebred but unregistered) dogs are included in the same medical statistics. Because of their visibility, the problems of both groups are attributed solely to registered breeders. Steps need to be taken to administratively separate the two groups in medical statistics (e.g., vaccination records).

– You have decades of breeding experience. Since 2019, you have held the position of President of an organisation that is present in 98 countries due to the kennel clubs. Before that, you held various positions in the FCI. Personally, from your point of view, what do you consider to be your priorities?

T. J.: I have been a member of the Hungarian Kennel Club for 51 years. During this time, I have held a number of national and international positions. But when asked what I consider my priority in the dogdom, I consider myself first and foremost a dog breeder. Living and breeding with my dogs daily is the activity that gives me the most pleasure and the most motivation to solve all my other problems. Functions come, go, and change. But being a breeder has been the utmost position throughout these 51 years.